| Abstract (english) | Over time service-learning has been widely recognized as valuable platform for: (i) integrating academic learning with community service, encouraging civic engagement, and supporting students’ responsible citizenship, and for (ii) students to develop a wide range of skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and cultural competence. Although service-learning principles and practices are present at lower level of education, it seems as it becomes more tailored to college and university students. Accordingly, the objective of the study is to analyses the main principles and practices of service learning in higher education environment. In such context it will be carefully considered, various aspects of services learning such as academic integration, experiential learning, community partnerships, reflection and assessment, skill development, personal growth, social impact, global perspective, and finally community service as graduation requirement. In the empirical part, it will be presented and adequately elaborated three (3) case studies initiated at the Faculty of Economic, Business and Tourism (FEBT) in Split, and realized in period from April 2020 to June 2021. Based on the results, the observed case studies are revealed as follows: (i) significant service-learning initiatives designed to align with specific academic courses, (ii) an experiential learning opportunities enabling students the chance to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings; (iii) collaboration with non-profit organizations, (iv) the identified service opportunities which meet community needs (v) the potential for ongoing positive impact on communities, and (vi) the possibility of service-learning as a graduation requirement to encourage the students’ participation in community service and civic engagement with respectful social responsibility |
